Mike Chambers is on vacation now and I’ll step in to help him out by covering the Avalanche development camp this week, starting with Monday afternoon’s availability for the team’s top three draft choices at the Pepsi Center — Mikko Rantanen, Nicolas Meloche and A.J. Greer.

The on-ice sessions will be at Family Sports on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. On Tuesday and Wednesday for sure, the on-ice time will run from 8 to 12:45, with the attendees divided into three groups and each on the ice for about an hour. Goaltenders first will do individual work at 8. Media availabilities will follow at 12:45 those two days. There will be on-ice time Thursday as well, but all will be on the run so there is no scheduled availability that day.

I like Francois Beauchemin. He’s a tremendous hard-nosed hockey player and his first job as a child was delivering the Journal de Montreal newspaper every morning at 5 a.m., according to his Anaheim Ducks’ bio. That job dates his age, obviously, and his age makes me question his signing by the Avalanche.

Our news story about the Avalanche’s free-agent signings Wednesday is here. Just Beauchemin and Blake Comeau to the Avs. Terrific addition in the 29-year-old Comeau, by the way. Had 16 goals in 61 games for Pittsburgh last season. He can play on any line, any role.

The Avs are done for the day, likely done for the week, GM Joe Sakic said.

My thoughts about improving the D? Francois Beauchemin has had an outstanding NHL career. Super tough and rugged and a good teammate — a guy you hate playing against but love having on your team. A winner, a warrior — a Stanley Cup champion. The same was said about Brad Stuart a year ago, who at age 34 was acquired in a trade with San Jose. Beauchemin and Stuart were in the same 1998 NHL draft class. They are the same player, and joining the Avs with a careers-worth of mileage on their bodies. Brad Stuart was not the answer the team sought, and already is considered a No. 5 or No. 6 guy.

In case you missed it, the Avalanche’s 2015 No. 1 draft pick Mikko Rantanen won’t be introduced to the Denver media until Monday, July 6, during the first day of the team’s development camp at Family Sports Center in Centennial. According to an Avs spokesman, Rantanen flew back to Finland after the draft but will attend the D-camp — which this year includes two days of on-ice activities.

In the past, the Avs haven’t had their prospects skate, but rather focus on off-ice training, nutrition and team building. The camp schedule should be released this week.

Check out these Rantanen highlights from the 2015 World Junior Championship in Montreal and Toronto. Late in the video, TSN’s Bob McKenzie suggests Rantanan was the WJC’s most impressive player — in a tournament that included Connor McDavid, Jack Eichel and 2016 draft-eligible superstar Auston Matthews. Rantanen scored half (four) of Finland’s goals.

I filed this UFA chart for Wednesday’s paper/online — the guys I think the Avs have the most interest in, and with the defensemen, they’re all lefties because we know that’s coach Patrick Roy’s preference. The “notable others” doesn’t necessarily mean the Avs have any interest.

Colorado and Buffalo agreed to a six-player trade Friday, and the Avs ended up making it a 6-for-2 player deal after trading down a second-round pick with San Jose on Saturday:

Glad to be a Buffalo Sabre? “It’s definitely exciting. Obviously, the team in the last few days has made steps in the right direction moving forward. It looks like it’s going to be a contending team. I’m excited to be a part of it.

What does your next contract look like? “I think it’s something we’ll talk about July 1, something to look forward to. Obviously, I’ve been to Buffalo before, know a couple of guys on the team. A couple guys have reached out. I’m excited to get there moving forward.”

Tyler Ennis. You played with him at the recent Worlds for Canada? “I got very close to him. As a player, he was huge for our team. I really liked watching him play, great hockey sense. For the size of him, he makes some huge (plays) over there … It just shows the character and tenacity of him.”

Nicolas Meloche puts on his jersey after being selected 40th overall by the Colorado Avalanche during the 2015 NHL Draft at BB&T Center on June 27, 2015 in Sunrise, Fla. (Bruce Bennett, Getty Images)

Saturday’s main Avalanche story from the first round of the NHL draft on Friday is here. Everything we publish online is at our Colorado Avalanche news page.

Colorado’s trade on Saturday — it dealt No. 31 to San Jose for the Sharks’ 39th plus what the Avs gave up to acquire defenseman Brad Stuart a year ago (2016 second, 2017 sixth) — is here, along with all the Day 2 draft picks. The Avs went heavy on guys from Quebec and Russia (Greer is from Quebec).

Colorado’s draft selections:

Round 1 RW Mikko Rantanen, Finland (10th overall)— Top European ranked skater was considered a top-six pick; a steal at 10.

The Avs’ Ryan O’Reilly takes a moment against the Columbus Blue Jackets during the first period on Sunday, January 4, 2015. (AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver Post)

I never thought RW Mikko Rantanen would be on the board at No. 10. And neither did Avalanche GM Joe Sakic and his staff. Sakic told me he was shocked that Rantanen wasn’t selected in the top six, and the Avs wanted to make a trade and get him at eight. But he was there at 10. Excellent pick to conclude an exceptional day for the Avalanche.

I'm thrilled to be welcomed into the @BuffaloSabres I've heard nothing but great things and I'm extremely excited to get started! #Sabres

Ryan O’Reilly practices Ashtanga Vinyasa yoga at the Samadhi Center for Yoga in Denver, CO October 29, 2013. He says he spends about 20 minutes before games practicing yoga and that he first started at age sixteen. (Photo By Craig F. Walker / The Denver Post)

The Avalanche’s full 2015-16 schedule was released Thursday morning. My dog is going to miss me during that seven-game roadie in November.

Soderberg, 29, is a pending unrestricted free agent. The Avs gave Boston a 2016 sixth-round draft pick to negotiate with the Swede until Wednesday, when free agency begins. Thursday was the first day NHL teams could recruit pending UFAs. The Avs are the only team that can offer Soderberg a contract until Wednesday. According to an Avs spokesman, contract talks are in the works.

If Soderberg signs, he’ll be Colorado’s fifth big-league center, along with Matt Duchene, Ryan O’Reilly, Nathan MacKinnon and John Mitchell, plus restricted free agent Joey Hishon. Any of the above can play wing, and they all have, but trying to sign Soderberg further leads one to believe the Avs will trade O’Reilly. The trail definitely smells of a trade, and for me, the strongest scent was hearing Joe Sakic say that he’s heard of what the O’Reilly camp wants in an extension and that he’ll deal with it after the draft and free agency. But then they attempt to sign Soderberg. Moving O’Reilly before/during the draft is the best time to get the most action.

I do believe the Avs are full-on trying to move O’Reilly in a package deal, in exchange for a first-round draft pick, player and prospect(s).

This blog has a catchy headline but NBC Sports Network doesn’t say much. I’ve heard other rumors, including the New Jersey Devils trading their first-round pick (sixth overall) for O’Reilly. Reality is, nothing I’ve seen says the O’Reilly trade is imminent. But the scent is strong.

Meanwhile, Alan Hepple is Colorado’s new director of amateur scouting and I spoke to him over the phone Wednesday. He was at draft headquarters in Sunrise, Fla. His thoughts on what the Avs will do Friday and Saturday will be published later Thursday (online) and Friday (paper). Here’s more:

“Pretty deep draft this year,” Hepple said. “Obviously, there’s been a lot of talk about the top two (Connor McDavid, Jack Eichel). But the next eight, it’s pretty good.”

The Avs, of course, have the 10th pick of the first round.

Hepple was recently (officially) hired to replace Rick Pracey, now with the Philadelphia Flyers. “It’s an honor. When I got the call last week from Joe, it really was and that’s what I said that too him. I was a little bit lost for words,” Hepple said. “But it’s an honor to be head scout of the Avs and be able to work with Joe and Patrick (Roy). We’ve got a great staff and that’s the one thing I really liked about being in Denver. We’ve got good people to work with.”

He added: “The Joe and Patrick thing is unbelievable. I get asked all the time what kind of guys they are, and it’s easy to talk about them. They’re great to work for.”

The Avalanche will open the 2015-16 season Oct. 8 against the Minnesota Wild at the Pepsi Center. More on that here. The full schedule will be released Thursday.

NHL draft starts Friday 5 p.m. MT. I just spoke to Avalanche director of amateur scouting Alan Hepple, and a pre-draft story will run in the paper and online Friday. Hepple was born in England and had a cup of coffee in the NHL. He said GM Joe Sakic recently told him he would be be the top scout at the draft, replacing the fired Rick Pracey.

Look for stories later Wednesday (online) and Thursday (paper) about three local players in the draft mix: D Brandon Carlo of Colorado Springs (first-round material), F Trevor Moore of the University of Denver, and incoming DU F Troy Terry of Highlands Ranch.

NHL expansion release:

BOARD OF GOVERNORS AUTHORIZES FORMAL PROCESS
TO EVALUATE ALL EXPRESSIONS OF TEAM INTEREST

LAS VEGAS (June 24, 2015) — The National Hockey League Board of Governors today authorized the undertaking of a formal process to evaluate expressions of interest from markets and ownership groups interested in obtaining NHL clubs. To the extent parties may be interested in applying for an expansion team, the League will make applications available starting on Monday, July 6, and applications should be filed no later than Monday, August 10.

“Over the past several years we have received numerous expressions of interest from potential markets and ownership groups that have indicated an interest in joining the National Hockey League. The Board decided today to examine those expressions more formally and also to welcome any other groups or markets that may be considering pursuit of an NHL team,” NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman said. “The fact that we are beginning this process does not necessarily mean that any expansion teams will be granted as a result of this process.”

LAS VEGAS (June 24, 2015) – The National Hockey League Board of Governors today approved rules changes for the 2015-16 season that will change the overtime format to 3-on-3 for five minutes, expand the use of video review to include a Coach’s Challenge within a limited scope of scenarios and amend face-off protocol.

The Board acted on the series of recommendations it received from the
NHL/NHLPA Competition Committee and the NHL General Managers.

3-on-3 Overtime

1. Teams play an additional overtime period of not more than five (5) minutes with the team scoring first declared the winner and being awarded an additional point.

2. The overtime period will be played with each team at 3-on-3 manpower (plus goaltender) for the full five-minute period.

3. Manpowers during overtime will be adjusted to reflect the situation in the game, but at no time will a team have fewer than three (3) skaters on the ice during the overtime period. For example, if a team enters the overtime period on a power play, manpower would be adjusted from 5 on 4 at the end of regulation to 4 on 3 at the start of overtime. If a minor penalty is assessed during overtime, the teams will play 4 on 3. If a second minor penalty is assessed to the same team during overtime, the teams will play 5 on 3.

4. If the game remains tied at the end of the five (5) minute overtime period, the teams will proceed to a three-round shootout. After each team has taken three shots, if the score remains tied, the shootout will proceed to a “sudden death” format.

5. Clubs who pull their goaltender for an extra attacker during the overtime period (other than on a delayed penalty) will be subject to the potential forfeiture of their one (1) point earned for the tie at the end of regulation in the event the opposing team scores into the empty net.

6. At the end of regulation, the entire ice surface will be shoveled and the goalies will change ends. There will be no further ice surface maintenance during the balance of overtime period. Following the overtime period and before the shootout, the ice surface will be shoveled again, and the goalies will change ends.

Expanded Video Review

This expanded video review is intended to be extremely narrow in scope and the original call on the ice is to be overturned if, and only if, a determination is made by the on-ice Official(s) (in consultation with the Toronto Video Room) that the original call on the ice was not correct. If a review is not conclusive and/or there is any doubt whatsoever as to whether the call on the ice was correct, the on-ice Official(s) will be instructed to confirm their original call.

Coach’s Challenge

1. A team may only request a Coach’s Challenge to review the following scenarios:

a) “Off-Side” Play Leading to a Goal. A play that results in a “GOAL” call on the ice where the defending team asserts that the play should have been stopped by reason of an “Off-Side” infraction by the attacking team.

b) Scoring Plays Involving Potential “Interference on the Goalkeeper”

(i) A play that results in a “GOAL” call on the ice where the defending team asserts that the goal should have been disallowed due to “Interference on the Goalkeeper,” as described in Rules 69.1, 69.3 and 69.4; or

(ii) A play that results in a “NO GOAL” call on the ice despite the puck having entered the net, where the on-ice Officials have determined that the attacking team was guilty of “Interference on the Goalkeeper” but where the attacking team asserts: (i) there was no actual contact of any kind initiated by an attacking Player with the goalkeeper; or (ii) the attacking Player was pushed, shoved, or fouled by a defending Player causing the attacking Player to come into contact with the goalkeeper; or (iii) the attacking Player’s positioning within the goal crease did not impair the goalkeeper’s ability to defend his goal and, in fact, had no discernible impact on the play.

2. A team may only request a Coach’s Challenge if they have their time-out available and the Coach’s Challenge must be effectively initiated prior to the resumption of play.

3. If the Coach’s Challenge does not result in the original call on the ice being overturned, the team exercising such challenge will forfeit its time-out.

4. If the Coach’s Challenge does result in the call on the ice being overturned, the team successfully exercising such challenge will retain its time-out.

League Initiated Review

1. In the final minute of play in the 3rd Period and at any point in Overtime (Regular Season and Playoffs), Hockey Operations will initiate the review of any scenario that would otherwise be subject to a Coach’s Challenge.

2. Hockey Operations will continue to initiate and be responsible for the review of all goals subject to Video Review under Rule 38.4. Where a Coach’s Challenge is available on a scoring play potentially involving “Interference on the Goalkeeper” or “Off-Side,” Hockey Operations will, as an initial and threshold matter, determine that the puck entered the net and is a good hockey goal before the play will be subject to further review by means of a Coach’s Challenge (or, in the final minute of play or in Overtime, a review initiated by Hockey Operations). If a team requests a Coach’s Challenge but Video Review under Rule 38.4 renders such Challenge unnecessary, then the Challenge will be deemed not to have been made and the timeout will be preserved.

Additional Notes Regarding Scenarios Subject to Expanded Video Review

1. The League will make available in all arenas, technology (either a handheld tablet or a television or computer monitor) that will allow on-ice Officials, in conjunction with the Toronto Video Room, to view replays if, and only to the extent, a formal Coach’s Challenge has been initiated (or, in the final minute of play or in Overtime, a review by Hockey Operations is initiated). To the extent practical, the replays made available to the Officials on the ice will be the same replays that are being utilized by the Toronto Video Room.

2 Once a Challenge has been initiated (or, in the final minute of play or in Overtime, a review is initiated by Hockey Operations), the Toronto Video Room will immediately establish contact with the Referee (or Linesman) responsible for the call on the ice via the headset and will inquire and discuss with the Referee (or Linesman), prior to the Referee (or Linesman) examining any video, the following: (a) the Referee’s (or Linesman’s) “final” call on the ice; and (b) what the Referee (or Linesman) observed on the play.

3. The on-ice call will then be reviewed simultaneously by the appropriate on-ice Officials at ice level and by Hockey Operations in the Toronto Video Room using any and all replays at their disposal. After reviewing the play and consulting with the Toronto Video Room, the appropriate on-ice Officials will then make the “final” decision on whether to uphold or overturn the original call on the ice. Once the decision is made, the Referee will inform the Penalty Timekeeper/PA Announcer and will make the announcement on the ice.

Plays Potentially Involving An “Off-Side” Infraction

1. The standard for overturning the call in the event of a “GOAL” call on the ice is that the Linesman, after reviewing any and all available replays and consulting with the Toronto Video Room, determines that one or more Players on the attacking team preceded the puck into the attacking zone prior to the goal being scored and that, as a result, the play should have been stopped for an “Off-Side” infraction; where this standard is met, the goal will be disallowed.

2. Goals will only be reviewed for a potential “Off-Side” infraction if: (a) the puck does not come out of the attacking zone again; or (b) all members of the attacking team do not clear the attacking zone again, between the time of the “Off-Side” play and the time the goal is scored.

3. In the event a goal is reversed due to the Linesman determining that the play was “Off-Side” prior to the goal being scored, the clock (including penalty time clocks, if applicable) will be re-set to the time at which the play should have been stopped for the “Off-Side” infraction.

Plays Potentially Involving “Interference on the Goalkeeper”

1. The standard for overturning the call in the event of a “GOAL” call on the ice is that the Referee, after reviewing any and all available replays and consulting with the Toronto Video Room, determines that the goal should have been disallowed due to “Interference on the Goalkeeper,” as described in Rules 69.1, 69.3 and 69.4.

2. The standard for overturning the call in the event of a “NO GOAL” call on the ice is that the Referee, after reviewing any and all replays and consulting with the Toronto Video Room, determines that the goal on the ice should have been allowed because either: (i) there was no actual contact of any kind initiated by the attacking Player with the goalkeeper; or (ii) the attacking Player was pushed, shoved or fouled by a defending Player causing the attacking Player to come into contact with the goalkeeper; or (iii) the attacking Player’s positioning within the crease did not impair the goalkeeper’s ability to defend his goal and, in fact, had no discernible impact on the play.

3. The Video Review process on these plays (whether initiated by way of a Coach’s Challenge or by Hockey Operations in the final minute of play or in Overtime) will be utilized exclusively for purposes of confirming or overturning a “GOAL” or “NO GOAL” call on the ice on scoring plays potentially involving “Interference on the Goalkeeper.” The Video Review process on these plays — regardless of its outcome — will not be utilized for any other purpose, including, specifically, for assessing minor or major penalties for Goalkeeper Interference.

Rule 76.4, Face-Offs – Paragraph 2

When the face-off takes place at any of the nine face-off spots, the players taking part shall take their position so that they will stand squarely facing their opponent’s end of the rink, and clear of the ice markings (where applicable). The sticks of both players facing-off shall have the blade on the ice, within the designated white area. At the eight face-off spots (excluding center ice face-off spot), the defending player shall place his stick within the designated white area first followed immediately by the attacking player. When the face-off is conducted at the center ice face-off spot, the visiting player shall place his stick on the ice first.

Colorado Avalanche defenseman Tyson Barrie skates in the first period of a game against the Toronto Maple Leafs on Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2014, at the Pepsi Center. (Denver Post file)

The majority of questions posed to Avalanche GM Joe Sakic and coach Patrick Roy during Thursday’s national conference call are addressed in our main story ahead of the free agency. We touch on Sakic and Roy’s thoughts on next week’s NHL draft, the Ryan O’Reilly contract situation, the rumored recruitment of Alexander Radulov, adding two new assistant coaches (defensive bench coach, video coach), future contract extensions for Erik Johnson, Tyson Barrie and Nathan MacKinnon, who each require new deals after next season, and cloudy injury updates on forwards Jamie McGinn, Patrick Bordeleau and Jesse Winchester.

As for improving the defensive corps when free agency opens July 1, it’s looking like the Avs will focus on left-shooting defensemen to play on the first or second pairing. Colorado’s top two defensemen are righties Erik Johnson and Tyson Barrie, and Roy said he prefers a lefty plays with at least one of them.

“As a coach, yes, we’d like to have somebody to play with EJ (inaudible) and Tyson. Obviously, we have (Nick) Holden and (Brad) Stuart, who are left shots, but we’d like to add a defenseman in the top four,” Roy said. “I think it will help our team tremendously.”

Right-shooting defenseman Nate Guenin and Zach Redmond are also under contract for the Avs next season.

My Sunday NHL column suggests the Avs will get a big forward (Lawson Crouse or Pavel Zacha) or skilled puck-moving defenseman (Ivan Provorov or Zach Werenski) with the No. 10 pick in the June 26-27 draft in Sunrise, Fla. Everything under denverpost.com/avalanche will begin to heat up next week, heading into the draft and July 1 free agency.

Regarding the Ryan O’Reilly contract situation, the center’s agent, Mark Guy, has not responded to interview/information requests. The Avs have declined comment. Colorado executives, however, will be made available in the days leading into the draft and the O’Reilly issue will be addressed, in whatever form. Certainly, the Avs already have a good feel on whether they’ll be able to extend the 2016 unrestricted free agent this summer, and if it looks like that won’t happen, they’d rather put together a trade before the draft, so more bargaining chips are on the table.

The Dawg Nation Hockey Foundation hosts its fifth Dawg Bowl Thursday through Saturday this week and the Avalanche and other hockey entities are again heavily involved in the silent auction and general support. The tournament is at the Edge Ice Arena in Littleton and the silent auction between the two sheets will include:

— Another five NHL jerseys signed by players from the Calgary Flames (three) and Ottawa Senators (two).

— Many signed Avalanche pictures from Jarome Iginla, Pierre Turgeon and Joe Sakic, among others.

— Signed helmet from Indianapolis Colts QB Andrew Luck.

The fundraiser has its Survivor Game at 3 p.m. Saturday, a contest played by men and women who have overcome traumatic injury or illness. The coaches will be Avalanche TV guy Peter McNab and longtime NHL forward Derek Armstrong, former coach and GM of the Denver Cutthroats.

Armstrong will also play in the 42-team tournament, along with NHL referee Dave Jackson and former University of Denver standouts Luke Fulghum and Aaron MacKenzie.

Former DU hockey coach George Gwozdecky holds back his emotions as he addresses the media at a news conference April 2, 2013 at Magness Arena. Gwozdecky was on hand to discuss the school firing him on Monday. This ends his Pioneers coaching tenure at 19 seasons. (John Leyba, The Denver Post)

Our Sunday NHL column is on George Gwozdecky, the No. 2 assistant coach for the Tampa Bay Lightning. The former Denver Pioneers head coach, 61, discusses the working relationship with Lightning head coach Jon Cooper, 47, defensive bench-boss Rick Bowness, 60, and Steve Thomas, 51 — who played in 1,235 NHL regular-season games.

The staff reports to general manager Steve Yzerman and assistant GM Pat Verbeek, who combined for more than 1,200 NHL regular-season goals and four Stanley Cups. Similar to the Avalanche’s front office with Joe Sakic and Patrick Roy (six combined Cups), Tampa Bay’s suit-and-ties know how to get it done.

New Avalanche assistant general manager Chris MacFarland told The Denver Post he would work alongside Craig Billington and Greg Sherman under GM Joe Sakic and head coach/hockey operations director Patrick Roy. It appears MacFarland will be Sakic’s day-to-day understudy, but the dynamics of it all is still in the works.

“My role from what I have been told is heavy on the pro side and assisting Joe Sakic and complimenting the pro staff,” MacFarland said Monday night. “Craig (Billington) is a good friend of mine and does a great job, and runs the AHL side. I’m looking forward to getting in there and doing whatever they ask me to do.”

Chris MacFarland, assistant general manager of the Columbus Blue Jackets, is joining the Avalanche in the same capacity. I got word of the move from a source in Columbus, and it was confirmed by Avs vice president Jean Martineau. MacFarland is from Bronx, N.Y., and joined the Blue Jackets in 1999. He was named assistant GM in 2008, and last season worked with co-assistant GM Bill Zito under GM Jarmo Kekalainen.

MacFarland is reportedly friends with Adam Foote, the a former Blue Jackets defenseman who is Colorado’s volunteer defensive specialist.

The Avs already have two assistant GMs in Craig Billington and Greg Sherman, who work under GM Joe Sakic and coach/VP hockey operations Patrick Roy, and Martineau said Billington and Sherman will remain with the organization.

“No subsequent moves,” Martineau said in a text. “Just an addition to the hockey operations staff.”

I formal announcement is forthcoming.

The Blue Jackets just put out the following release, without saying where MacFarland is going:

Chris MacFarland, a long-time member of the Columbus Blue Jackets hockey operations staff, is leaving the organization after 16 years of service, Blue Jackets General Manager Jarmo Kekalainen announced today.

“Chris MacFarland has been an important member of this organization for many years and his contributions to our hockey club have been significant,” said Kekalainen. “He has been presented with an exciting opportunity outside our organization and while we are sorry to see him leave, we thank Chris for his years of service, hard work and commitment to the Blue Jackets and wish him and his family all the best in the future.”

MacFarland originally joined the Blue Jackets in 1999 and served as the club’s manager of hockey operations from 2001-07. He was promoted to assistant to the general manager in July 2007 and a year later was named the club’s assistant general manager.

With the Blue Jackets, MacFarland assisted the club in all hockey-related matters including scouting, player contract research and negotiations, salary cap management and arbitration, collective bargaining agreement administration, budgeting and team scheduling issues. He also oversaw hockey operations efforts of the club’s minor league affiliates.

Avalanche executive vice president and general manager Joe Sakic met with three members of the media before Thursday night’s game with Winnipeg to assess the Avalanche season and future, and I used much of the material in the game story here.

Here are additional Sakic comments, and there will be more in a Sunday season wrapup analysis: Read more…

As expected in recent days — despite all the weeks of reasoned speculation and rumors circulating predicting the contrary — Ryan O’Reilly remained with the Avalanche when the trading deadline passed Monday.

“It’s nice not to be somewhere else and to be able to focus on playing hockey and trying to get in the playoffs here,” O’Reilly said after practice Tuesday. “It’s nice to put that behind me.”

Avalanche GM Joe Sakic, coach Patrick Roy and his staff played shinny Friday at the American Airlines Center after the morning skates. Forward Paul Carey, who will be scratched against the Stars, and backup goalie Reto Berra also participated:

DALLAS — Feels like New York here. Cold, snow and traffic. Yes, it’s a snow day in Big D. Accidents all over the streets, schools are letting out early, Stars players told to avoid traveling to their suburban homes between the morning skate and the game — all because an inch or two of snow. But the game will go on, and it’s a big one between teams with 63 points — eight behind Minnesota for the eighth and final Western Conference playoff spot. The morning skate report is here.

Avalanche captain Gabe Landeskog got in his third NHL fight of the season and fifth of his career Tuesday at Nashville. In a big-blow scrap that began as a response to Landeskog’s crushing forecheck hit on Roman Josi, Landeskog fared well against the bigger and more seasoned Preds D Shea Weber:

Freelance game story from Colorado’s 5-2 loss at Nashville is here. The Avalanche is off Wednesday and will practice Thursday at a suburban Dallas rink. I fly to Dallas in the morning and will report from practice, Friday’s morning skate at the American Airlines Center and the ensuing game against the Stars.

As it stands, forward Daniel Briere will be the only extra Av against Dallas. On Wednesday, the team reassigned defenseman Stefan Elliott to Lake Erie of the American League. Elliott struggled mightily against the Preds and his demotion likely had something to do with his waiver status. So right now, expect D Zach Redmond to return to the lineup Friday.

The Avs host Minnesota on Saturday in their last game before Monday’s NHL trade deadline. Colleague Terry Frei has the game against the Wild, as he and I swap teams over the weekend. Terry has the Denver Pioneers’ big NCHC tilt against Miami on Friday in Denver, and I’ll do the series finale Saturday. Avs GM Joe Sakic is expected to meet with local media Saturday, likely before the game against Minnesota, and discuss trade-deadline issues.

At a minimum, you can bet the Avs will look at moving pending unrestricted free agent D Jan Hejda to a playoff team as a rental. Hejda is a good shot-blocker who could provide depth for a playoff team, and in return the Avs could get a prospect and/or draft pick. I can’t see Colorado re-signing Hejda, 36, as it re-tools its D for next season. His departure opens $3.25 million in cap room. Briere could also be moved for many of the same reasons. He’s a pending UFA at age 37, and his cap hit is $4 million. But Briere — a proven clutch playoff scorer — can’t get in a lineup for a team that’s unofficially in playoff-mode right now, so the takers figure to be few.

Ryan O’Reilly? He’s Colorado’s first-line center right now, playing between Gabe Landeskog and Nathan MacKinnon. O’Reilly is unquestionably sought by playoff-bound teams, but moving him to one of those by Monday will not get you a first-pairing D. Unless the Avs can get a top prospect and first-round draft pick for O’Reilly, I’m betting he finishes the season in Colorado.

Whether it’s this spring or this summer, the Avs will re-build their D. But it could be subtle changes — one or two additions — given the expected training camp excitement over young draftees Chris Bigras, Mason Geertsen, Kyle Wood, Will Butcher and others. Yes, those four are 20-under and might be years away from being an NHL regular. But they certainly add intrigue to how the Avs go about things for next season and beyond.

Terry Frei graduated from Wheat Ridge High School in the Denver area and has degrees in history and journalism from the University of Colorado-Boulder. He worked for the Rocky Mountain News while attending CU and joined the Post staff after graduation. He has also worked at the Oregonian in Portland, Ore., and The Sporting News. His seventh book, March 1939: Before the Madness, was issued in February 2014.

Chambers covers college and professional hockey for The Denver Post. He has written for the Post since 1994, after dumping his first 9-to-5 office job a couple years out of college. He primarily follows the University of Denver hockey team and helps cover the Avalanche.